Electrical Systems
GENERATOR GUIDELINES
• Lack of regular servicing can be the
cause of most generator problems,
gensets under 2kW are mainly dependent
on engine speed for output frequency
and voltage. Poor or no servicing may
cause the engine speed governor to run
the genset engine too fast. Therefore,
frequency and output voltage can rise
above the specification of the machine
data plate i.e. 230V at 50Hz. This may
cause damage to electrical/electronic
equipment (such as battery chargers).
• A generator should always run for a
few minutes prior to connection with the
motorhome electrics, to allow it to warm
up and the output to settle to a steady
level.
• The AC output of generators is often
derived from an AC alternator, rectified to
DC then inverted back to AC. In essence
this means the output sinewave may not
be very smooth and may not run
sophisticated electronics efficiently. Some
of the new wave of gensets are more
sophisticated in their production of a
sinewave output and are more suited to
run electronic equipment.
• If in doubt consult your genset dealer or
manufacturer for advice.
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